Method and apparatus for lifting a truss from a truss assembly table

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for moving a truss assembly from a truss assembly table work surface are presented having lift out rails movable between a recessed position beneath the work surface and a raised position above the work surface. A support element assembly is movably mounted to each lift out rail and has at least one support surface for supporting a truss assembly when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. The support element assembly is movable between an up position and a down position. In the up position the support surface is flush with the work surface of the truss table, the support element assembly in the up position when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. In the down position the support surface does not interfere with a truss assembly sliding on the slide mechanism of the lift out rail, the support element assembly in the down position when the lift out rail is in the raised position. The lift out rails can be inclined when in the raised position and can be inclined sufficiently to cause a truss on the rails to slide down due to gravity alone. The slide mechanism on each lift out rail has an upper surface which may be flush with the table work surface when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. The slide mechanism in one embodiment is a slide rod.